Franchitti made a pit stop in the No. 01 Ford/Riley DP just before a caution period Saturday night, allowing him to take the lead under a full-course caution when others pitted with 34 minutes remaining.

The race was the second in the new IMSA-sanctioned TUDOR United SportsCar Championship following the merger of the Grand-Am Rolex Series and American Le Mans series.

"It was incredible," Franchitti said. "We couldn't believe we were in position to win. I've won here in the (old ALMS) P2 class, but to win overall here ... it's certainly the biggest day in my career."

A record nine cars finished on the lead laps, smashing the previous mar of three.

It was Ford's first overall win at Sebring since 1969, and it came after a troubling season debut at Daytona. Ford cars lagged behind in speed and only the two Ganassi entries could compete with the Chevrolets. But both were felled by mechanical problems as Ford was shut out of the season opener.